Babita-like

[theotherone]

My husband and I had planned on a dinner at Babita tomorrow night to celebrate our anniversary. It is closed for a private party and we are at a loss for a good substitute - we really had our heads around this favorite of ours.

How about some advice for excellent food in an unpretentious setting. Any cuisine is OK, but we prefer clean and simple foods well prepared. We don't drink so rarely even spend the $100 check from my parents - cost isn't too important. SGV, downtown, SM, Hollywood are all close enough for a dinner.

I know they are nothing like Babita in details, but we're mostly after good food, good conversation, and a pleasing setting. We've wanted to try Jitalda, Fig, Mo-Chica, Palate.

Thoughts? Advice?

-----
Jitalda Restaurant
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Mo-Chica
3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

[TonyC]

Jitlada on a Saturday evening will overwhelm your senses (and patience).

FIG has 50% entire bill 5-6pm (even Saturdays). It's about as pleasing as it goes.

Mo-Chica is in a strip mall and I always leave feeling broke & hungry. But the food at the neighboring stall by Chichen Itza will appease those seeking Babita.

-----
Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Chichen Itza
3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Mo-Chica
3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

[kevin]

which stall there is like Babita? do you mean chichen itza?

thanks.

[TonyC]

meant Chichen's food is "like" (and I use the term loosely) Babita...

[kevin]

I see. That makes sense.

They both serve dishes from the Yucatan. And also dole out that delicious if fiery habanero salsa.

Though sadly Chichen does not serve that infamous Babita dish of Shrimp Tolobomoamppo (sp?, I know I seriously butchered it)

[westsidegal]

be aware that Fig is closed on Sunday nights and on Monday nights.

[Chowpatty]

What about Lazy Ox or Spice Table downtown?

-----
The Spice Table
114 S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

[theotherone]

Thanks. 1/2 price Fig is tempting. We won't try to substitute for Babita since we love it so much - just going for the same kind of feel. Lazy Ox is a good idea and haven't heard of Spice Table. What about Barbrix or Elements?

-----
The Spice Table
114 S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

[CulverJack]

I like Barbrix a lot - great food, really nice folks all around. And some great wine too.

[CulverJack]

This is one you may not have on your radar, but the subject line Babita brought it to mind. Latin, honest, fantastic food and good folks in charge - La Casita Mexicana is a major winner. It's in a far flung location, but worth it.

They are here -
http://casitamex.com/

-----
La Casita Mexicana
4030 Gage Ave, Bell, CA 90201

[Das Ubergeek]

I agree with this recommendation—it's a gem in the rough and worth the drive, and it's chiles en nogada season; theirs is unquestionably the best.

[ipsedixit]

Try n/naka.

http://www.n-naka.com/

-----
n/naka
3455 S. Overland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034

[mc michael]

nix Elements--overpriced for what you get.

[Peripatetic]

Agree. It could be so much more than it is.

[theotherone]

Thanks for a list of some interesting places to try in the future. We ended up at Elements -- the warnings came too late! But we had a really nice dinner and we always enjoy ending up near Vromans. The Thai mussels and snapper were excellent and the chocolate cake got quickly consumed and appreciated. There are certainly places where you get more for $100, but we were quite pleased.

Can't wait to try Spice Table when our kids are home at Thanksgiving or Xmas.

-----
The Spice Table
114 S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA